More than a 1000 Noida residents, including retired army personnel and students, paid homage to 18 army soldiers killed in a terrorist attack in Uri in Kashmir on Sunday morning.

Holding placards and candles in hands, the residents condemned the attack and demanded strict action against the perpetrators.(Salman Ali/HT)

More than a 1000 Noida residents, including retired army personnel and students, paid homage to 18 army soldiers killed in a terrorist attack in Uri in Kashmir on Sunday morning.

Holding placards and candles in hands, the residents condemned the attack and demanded strict action against the perpetrators. The homage rally was organised by Hindustan newspaper, a sister concern of Hindustan Times.

“There is no doubt that this attack was carried out by Pakistan as the terrorists were armed and trained well and they had the map of the army base,” said Colonel (Retired) RK Krishan.

Echoing the sentiments, Padma Dikshit, a resident of Sector 29, said, “The time has come for every Indian to play the role of army personnel and give a befitting reply to the enemies. This dastardly attack was like stabbing in the back. We have to unite as one country in this time of crisis.”

Another resident, Sunita Bhati, said, “We should not suffer any more because of terror elements in our neighbourhood.”

Students also paid homage to the slain soldiers.

“We have come today to pay respect to the martyrs of Uri. We are ready to sacrifice everything for our country. I will join the army,” said Neeraj, a student of Maharana Pratap Public School.

Activists from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and Gandhi Vichaar Manch also paid homage to the soldiers.

The residents of Gardenia Glory housing complex in Sector 46 held a candle march to pay homage.

At Pari Chowk in Greater Noida, angry residents burned the effigy of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, condemning the attack on the soldiers. The effigy burning was organised by the All India Anti Terrorism Front, Gautam Budh Nagar.